Patient Stories

Michele - Micro Disc Surgery on L-5

Steven S. Hughes, MD

My Story:

Well, it has now been over a year since my surgery. I held my breath for this entire time waiting for the pain to return. Truly, I can say that my condition of over six years of chronic back pain is healed!

Dr. Hughes explained to me that he agreed the "huge" bulged disc I had was not going to respond to other treatments anymore. But, he gave me the time and patience I needed to make my own decision on surgery. For many years, I knew I needed surgery as I tried other treatments (like steroid injections, decompression trmt, and physical therapy) without relief. My fear kept me from surgery. When Dr. Hughes said I would be in less pain after my surgery than I had been the entire 6 years, I didn't believe him. Eventually, I got fed up with my fear and agreed to let him help me. The Saturday after surgery, I was bending and twisting as prescribed. The following Monday, I was out walking. By the end of the week, I was back to my regular exercise routine. I am stronger now than I have been in my adult years.

A recent ski trip was a dream come true and now I am planning for a mini-tri this summer. Thank you for restoring my sanity and helping me truly heal this time without rebound injury!